Those of us living in Portland got tired of the smoky haze that hung over the city for days and are glad and grateful for the signs of blue skies and white clouds. Do I hear and see a collective “Amen”?

The focus Scripture this week is from Mark 7: For it is from within, from the human heart that evil intentions come...all these evil things come from within, and they defile a person." There is no doubt that we see and hear much that is evil these days, which springs from within the human heart. Some of my clergy colleagues and friends have been arrested in the last few weeks in support of freeing asylum seekers who were wrongly imprisoned nearby. We collected toys and games for children of these asylum seekers a few weeks ago, children taken away from their parents. We witness corruption close by in systemic ways through various governmental agencies and administrations. Moves to roll back regulations that would help slow global climate change abound. And racism is louder than ever and “in your face”, as is sexism, homophobia, ageism, ableism… and the list never seems to end. Thanks be to God that, in the end, love prevails, no matter what. As the Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Colossians (3:14), “Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” Come join us this week as we continue to grow in love in a world where evil is present as a Community of Pilgrims.___

Events!

Sept. 2, 4-6 pm, Gathering and Worship with Community of Pilgrims at Rose City Park PCUSA;

Sept. 9, 4-6 pm, Gathering and Worship with Community of Pilgrims at Rose City Park PCUSA

**Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, we are excited about celebrating the first anniversary of the Community of Pilgrims Presbyterian Fellowship on Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018! On our first Sunday, 31 people joined us! Come join us again for a special anniversary Sunday, when we hope to have 32 people join us!**____

Requests

*Regarding the t-shirts: Please pick up your t-shirt this Sunday, and bring cash or a check made out to Community of Pilgrims, in the amount of $8 for adult M, L, and XL, and youth; and $12 for adult 2XL. Thank you!____

Prayer Concerns and Celebrations

· Jeanette, JoAnn's Mother, Sue, Liz, and all of our Mothers.· 18-month-old Quinn who is in her fifth week of chemotherapy and will hopefully have surgery by the end of September to remove her liver.· People in our own community who are facing stress that impacts their lives.· Tom, Mark, and others who are looking for employment.· Prayers of thanksgiving for Adrianne who found a job.· Our sisters and brothers in the United Methodist Church around the world as they work together to listen with open hearts.· John McCain's family following his death and prayers that people of integrity may prevail to re-establish stabilization in our government.· Those affected by fires, hurricanes, and volcanoes.· Mary's friends going through a divorce and their two year old child.· Children, the homeless, and immigrants. Our government has stopped separating children from their families at the border but families continue to be arrested and detained.· Our first year as a community and for funding for the next 18 months, starting January 1, 2019.· Our political leaders, prayers for more responsible action and wisdom.· Transitions in relationships in Brett’s life.___

Poem

September Night, by Sara Teasedale

Lyric night of the lingering Indian Summer, Shadowy fields that are scentless but full of singing, Never a bird, but the passionless chant of insects, Ceaseless, insistent.

The grasshopper’s horn, and far-off, high in the maples, The wheel of a locust leisurely grinding the silence Under a moon waning and worn, broken, Tired with summer.

Let me remember you, voices of little insects, Weeds in the moonlight, fields that are tangled with asters, Let me remember, soon will the winter be on us, Snow-hushed and heavy.

Over my soul murmur your mute benediction, While I gaze, O fields that rest after harvest, As those who part look long in the eyes they lean to, Lest they forget them.